Quantification of apocarotenoids in commercial Indian (Kashmiri) saffron using UV-Vis spectroscopy and HPLC analysis

Saffron is considered as the most expensive spice in world. Due to low production, high demand and cost, saffron very prone adulteration for economic benefits while putting public health at risk. The significant characteristic determining quality of coloring strength (crocin content), which determined by measuring UV-Vis absorption 440 nm aqueous preparations this spice. Picrocrocin safranal are other key components used determine quality. This article aims examine commercial obtained from various geographical locations Kashmir (India) their apocarotenoid content using spectrophotometry followed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) concentration metabolites (crocin, picrocrocin safranal). A total 31 samples different origins were study. spectrophotometric results showed that among 31, only 14 fell into grade I, 9 II 5 III ISO category. remaining 3 could not satisfy standards, indicates these adulterated. determination HPLC analysis varied significantly samples. These variations may be due drying storage conditions or adulteration.